Guru Talks with Lanky, CEO of ApeBond - June 6, 2025 Episode
"The best approach for people that want to get into crypto is to start slow with basic things...You need to go through this learning process. With this power also comes the responsibility to get informed and learn what you’re doing."
On June 6, 2025, Guru Talks hosted a special episode featuring Lanky, CEO of ApeBond, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of Web3, DeFi, and the innovative mechanics behind on-chain bonds. The discussion, led by host Yaro, offered both a primer for newcomers and nuanced perspectives for seasoned crypto enthusiasts.
Web3: A New Paradigm for Finance and Community
Lanky opened with a candid reflection on the transformative potential of Web3:
“Web3 is here to give the power to the people on their financial freedom. That’s, I think, the biggest of it all - basically taking the power away from centralized entities and giving it to the people.”
He emphasized that the transparency, user custody, and programmability of blockchain-based finance are fundamentally shifting how individuals and organizations interact with money, assets, and each other.
From ApeSwap to ApeBond: The Journey
Tracing his journey from marketing to the C-suite, Lanky recounted:
“I started getting into crypto at a super basic level in 2016, 2017… In 2021, I joined ApeSwap, which was one of the leading indexes on BNB chain at that point. In 2023, we rebranded into ApeBond and ever since then we have dedicated ourselves to bonding.”
This transition reflects a broader industry trend: moving from traditional DEX models to innovative financial primitives like on-chain bonds, which ApeBond now champions.
On-Chain Bonds: Democratizing Fundraising
ApeBond’s core innovation is its on-chain OTC (over-the-counter) bond marketplace. Lanky explained:
“What we are doing with ApeBond is we democratize this and we put the OTC on chain. Instead of getting one buyer that’s going to have a 40% on that huge amount of tokens, you’re going to get a hundred buyers or two hundred buyers… This is on-chain and everyone can come in publicly and get on this OTC deal.”
This model allows projects to raise funds from a broad base of supporters, not just large VCs, and offers users discounted tokens with vesting periods—a win-win for both sides.
Token Utility and Community Alignment
Lanky addressed the evolving role of tokens in Web3 projects:
“To have a token, you ideally have some utility for it for users to use it, not just for speculation… In our case, the more tokens you hold, you have a tier on ApeBond which gives you access to special bonds and extra discounts, and you can also get access to real yield which will be revenue share from what the platform makes.”
This approach aligns incentives between the platform and its community, fostering deeper engagement and shared success.
The Future: Real World Assets and Cross-Chain Expansion
Looking ahead, Lanky shared his vision for ApeBond and the broader DeFi space:
“Our goal is to expand to as many chains as possible to help as many projects as possible. Additionally, we want to improve on the alignment of incentives… and integrate more with traditional bonds and real world assets into our platform.”
He sees real-world asset tokenization—like digitizing wine or luxury goods—as a major frontier for DeFi, enabling global liquidity and fractional ownership.
Lanky’s Advice for Web3 Newcomers
For those entering the space, Lanky offered pragmatic guidance:
“The best approach for people that want to get into crypto is to start slow with basic things with the top known currencies and then start trying a bit more here and there… You need to go through this learning process. With this power also comes the responsibility to get informed and learn what you’re doing.”
He encouraged joining communities and embracing the learning curve as part of the journey.
The Guru Talks episode with Lanky illuminated how ApeBond is pioneering transparent, community-driven fundraising in DeFi. By leveraging on-chain bonds, aligning token utility with platform growth, and exploring real-world asset integration, ApeBond exemplifies the innovative spirit driving Web3 forward. As Lanky summed up:
“In modern world, I think this is the biggest revolution in the world right now in finance - where we are taking the power off of centralized entities and giving that power to the people.”
For anyone interested in the future of decentralized finance, this episode is a must-listen.
Enjoy full episode:
For more on decentralized finance, blockchain automation, and the future of Web3, explore all Guru Talks episodes HERE